Valley Metro almost finished with light rail construction

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Light rail construction has lasted for more than 2 years along 19th Avenue north of Bethany Home Road. Business owners say they've tried to be patient while crews widened roads and placed tracks. Now the train is in the final testing stages.

Some Valley business owners say light rail construction has made it a challenge for customers to reach their stores, but now it is the end of the line. For the first time, a light rail train made its way up the new tracks to Dunlap Road.

"This is the first time the trains gonna be running on the northwest extension," said Field Engineer Christian Williams.

They're words that many business owners have been waiting for, during the light rail construction along 19th Avenue. Crews are nearly finished building the line between Montebello and Dunlap. The extension construction has lasted more than two years.

Soon riders will be able to go from Mesa Drive all the way to MetroCenter Mall at 19th Avenue and Dunlap. It's expected to be a big boost for businesses on both ends of the light rail.

Business owners say detours and construction has made it tough to get customers through their doors. Crews have more testing to complete, to make sure the train connects to the power source at the top.

"We go through checks before those lines are open, and the main concern is obviously the safety of the public," said Williams.

The extension is expected to open by March.